Malta's National Museum of Fine Arts

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Malta’s National Museum of Fine Arts is arranged in chronological fashion. After ascending the staircase and observing the rococo stylings above the doorways and a more contemporary statue at a landing (Antonio Sciortino’s art nouveau “Rhythmii Vitae), visitors can start with some of the earliest paintings in the room to the left. In fact, perhaps the most priceless piece of art in the gallery is a 14th century apse that has been transported to the museum in order to protect the painting from further deterioration. The chipped and battered painting is barely recognizable as the Crucifixion of Christ, but that makes it seem more real than many other paintings. Going with a group that has arranged a docent to lead a tour helps understand the art. If visitors are unable to have someone guide them through the museum, they should remember that, as our docent told us: Art is all about the message. The commissioner had a message when the piece of art was ordered. The artist had a message when he or she was working on the artwork. However, what brings art home is the message that you take away from it. Engage in the artwork, and it will stick with you. Listen to the message that the art is trying to send you, even if that message is different from what the artist had in mind. Malta’s national Museum of Fine Arts has the largest collection of Mattia Preti and his school of paintings. Preti is also responsible for the painting in St. John’s Co-Cathedral.